With summer coming to a close (sadly), people are getting back into the regular routine. The new assessments and report prototypes have been very successful, which makes me very happy knowing that they are being put to good use. I had a hard time thinking of an interesting topic for this blog until I was with some friends and I was talking about what I do for a living. One of my friends asked me if I was a masseur. After describing the difference between the two, I knew that I had found the perfect topic. I get asked this a lot, so I figured this would be the perfect platform to educate you to differentiate between the two.
Here’s the difference:
Masseuses/Masseurs: are considered body-workers as they are unregulated. They primarily perform relaxation massages, and sometimes are associated with the sex industry.
Massage Therapists: In Ontario, Massage Therapists must complete a 2-3 year course by a recognized college to receive extensive training on the human body and massage treatments to prepare for a written and practical examination administered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. This is to ensure that we are providing safe and ethical care to our clients by using techniques based on proven methods to treat various conditions.
I feel that some people may be skeptical about Massage Therapists because they are unaware that we are different from body workers. As more research becomes available about our profession, massage therapists are gradually pulling away from being associated with masseuses/masseurs. That is why looking at your practitioners credentials to see if your practitioner is regulated is essential when booking a massage for the first time so you know exactly what to expect.
This article is not intended to criticize those that perform or utilize masseuses/masseurs because it’s about your preferences. It is intended to outline the difference so you can make an informed decision on what kind of treatment you are looking for.
I hope this article has cleared up a few things for you and as always if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask!
Reference:
About Massage Therapists in Ontario. (n.d.). Retrieved on August 28, 2015 from http://www.cmto.com/for-the-public/about-the-profession/about-massage-therapists-in-ontario/
Comments